Steven - Module 11

Finally….it’s done! I know this has been a helpful program, but I can’t say I’m sad to see it over. This was really hard work and far from fun a lot of the time. OK, day of reckoning time….so, the goals…

1) Go out with coworkers again

Progress – This one is coming along. I think one of the turning points for me was doing the exposures to physical symptoms and seeing that those anxiety symptoms I was having are actually just normal physical feelings and that if I have them, it doesn’t mean that anything bad will happen. Now, I just try to use them to see what I’m feeling anxious about (if there’s something) or if there’s some other reason to be having them other than I’m having a panic attack.

2) Shop at normal times again or at least not base my decision to go on how busy the store could be

Progress – this is much better. Not fearing having a panic attack is definitely liberating! Though I still hate standing in line at the grocery store just after work. At least it’s not because I’m feeling scared….I just have other better uses of my time.

3) Feel OK in an elevator

Progress – I’m also doing much better in this regard. Again, I certainly prefer not to feel like a sardine, but if I’m walking with my boss into the elevator and it’s packed, I can do it without worrying about buckets of sweat pooling at his feet or my having a freak-out.

Next steps – Figuring out how to get promoted!!

Goals I want to accomplish

  1. Get promoted
  2. Go to my first Indy 500 race
  3. Go to Vegas

Steps I need to take to achieve goal

  1. Hmmm, good question, probably get a mentor, work hard, network and get noticed
  2. Ask some friends, book the tickets, don’t freak out
  3. Ask some friends, book the hotel and flights, figure out what to do there

Date I’d like to achieve my goal by:
I’d like to get promoted by the end of the year; the Indy, I’d like to go to this year in July; Vegas, perhaps in the fall/winter.

My relapse warning signs:

  1. I find myself making excuses not to go out with colleagues or friends
  2. I’m taking the stairs, not for exercise but because of fear

What I would do if I noticed any of my warning signs:

  1. Review my notes about panic
  2. Do some exposures to the physical symptoms


Read Module 11 reports from the other learners.
   
Jenny Mark Ann-Marie